A food holder for retaining a food product is provided. The food holder is formed from a continuous blank of sheet material. The food holder includes a top tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines. The food holder further includes a bottom tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines. The bottom tray is rotatably coupled to the top tray along a hinge line. The top tray is rotatable relative to the bottom tray from an open position to a closed position. The food holder further includes a moveable section including a portion of at least one of the top tray side panel and the bottom tray side panel. The moveable section facilitates movement of the top tray relative to the bottom tray for retaining the food product.
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22. A food holder for retaining a food product, the food holder is formed from a continuous blank of sheet material, the food holder comprising:
a top tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines;
a bottom tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines, the bottom tray being rotatably coupled to the top tray along a hinge line, so that the top tray is rotatable about the hinge line relative to the bottom tray from an open position to a closed position, wherein while the top tray is in the closed position, simultaneously
a cavity is defined by and between the top and bottom trays for receiving the food product, and
the top and bottom trays cooperate with one another to together define an opening to the cavity so that said opening is defined through both the top tray and the bottom tray, the top tray partially defines said opening, the bottom tray partially defines said opening, said opening is positioned between the top and bottom trays, and said opening is for having a portion of the food product project through said opening while the top tray is in the closed position; and
a moveable section including a portion of at least one of the top tray side panel and the bottom tray side panel, the moveable section being adapted for facilitating, while the top tray is in and remains in the closed position, movement of the top tray relative to the bottom tray, for retaining the food product.
26. A food holder for retaining a food product, the food holder is formed from a continuous blank of sheet material, the food holder comprising:
a top tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines;
a bottom tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines, the bottom tray being rotatably coupled to the top tray along a hinge line, so that the top tray is rotatable about the hinge line relative to the bottom tray from an open position to a closed position, wherein while the top tray is in the closed position, simultaneously
a cavity is defined by and between the top and bottom trays for receiving the food product, and
the top and bottom trays cooperate with one another to together define an opening to the cavity, so that the top tray partially defines said opening, the bottom tray partially defines said opening, said opening is positioned between the top and bottom trays, and said opening is for having a portion of the food product project through said opening while the top tray is in the closed position, wherein said opening, which is defined while the top tray is in the closed position, is at least partially defined by
an edge of the top tray center panel,
an edge of the top tray side panel,
an edge of the bottom tray center panel, and
an edge of the bottom tray side panel; and
a moveable section including a portion of at least one of the top tray side panel and the bottom tray side panel, the moveable section being adapted for facilitating, while the top tray is in and remains in the closed position, movement of the top tray relative to the bottom tray, for retaining the food product.
17. A food holder for retaining a food product, the food holder is formed from a continuous blank of sheet material, the food holder comprising:
a top tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines;
a bottom tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines, the bottom tray rotatably coupled to the top tray along a hinge line, the top tray rotatable relative to the bottom tray from an open position to a closed position; and
a moveable section including a portion of at least one of the top tray side panel and the bottom tray side panel, the moveable section facilitates movement of the top tray relative to the bottom tray for retaining the food product, and the moveable section includes at least one triangular panel defined within a portion of at least one of the top tray side panel and the bottom tray side panel, wherein
the at least one triangular panel is at least partially defined by an oblique fold line that extends obliquely relative to the hinge line,
the oblique fold line extends toward an intermediate portion of the hinge line,
the hinge line has opposite ends, and
the intermediate portion of the hinge line is positioned between, and distant from each of, the opposite ends of the hinge line, wherein:
the top tray and the bottom tray in the closed position form a cavity wherein the cavity is sized to receive the food product,
the top and bottom trays cooperate with one another to together define an opening to the cavity so that said opening is defined through both the top tray and the bottom tray, and
said opening is configured for having a portion of the food product project through said opening.
1. A food holder for retaining a food product, the food holder is formed from a continuous blank of sheet material, the food holder comprising:
a top tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines;
a bottom tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines, the bottom tray rotatably coupled to the top tray along a hinge line, the top tray rotatable relative to the bottom tray from an open position to a closed position; and
a moveable section including a portion of at least one of the top tray side panel and the bottom tray side panel, the moveable section facilitates movement of the top tray relative to the bottom tray for retaining the food product, and the moveable section includes at least one triangular panel defined within a portion of at least one of the top tray side panel and the bottom tray side panel, wherein
the at least one triangular panel is at least partially defined by a first oblique fold line that extends obliquely relative to the hinge line,
the first oblique fold line extends toward an intermediate portion of the hinge line,
the hinge line has opposite ends, and
the intermediate portion of the hinge line is positioned between, and distant from each of, the opposite ends of the hinge line;
wherein the moveable section further comprises
a first glue flap extending from the top tray side panel along a second oblique fold line and configured to couple to a portion of the top tray end panel, and
a second glue flap extending from the bottom tray side panel along a third oblique fold line and configured to couple to a portion of the bottom tray end panel;
each of the second and third oblique fold lines extends obliquely relative to the hinge line.
20. A food holder for retaining a food product, the food holder is formed from a continuous blank of sheet material, the food holder comprising:
a top tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines;
a bottom tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines, the bottom tray rotatably coupled to the top tray along a hinge line, the top tray rotatable relative to the bottom tray from an open position to a closed position, wherein the top tray and the bottom tray in the closed position form a cavity that is sized to receive the food product; and
a moveable section including a portion of at least one of the top tray side panel and the bottom tray side panel, the moveable section facilitates movement of the top tray relative to the bottom tray for retaining the food product, wherein
the moveable section is moveable from a first configuration to a second configuration when the top tray and the bottom tray are moved towards one another,
the hinge line moves away from the cavity and the side panels rotate about the hinge line when the moveable section moves from the first configuration to the second configuration, and
the moveable section includes three adjacent triangular panels coupled together along a plurality of fold lines, the three adjacent triangular panels include a first triangular panel defined within a portion of the top tray side panel, a second triangular panel defined within a portion of the bottom tray side panel, and a third triangular panel defined within a portion of the top tray side panel, the second and third triangular panels are separated by the hinge line, the first and third triangular panels are separated by a fold line that extends away from the hinge line, each of the three adjacent triangular panels includes an interior surface and an exterior surface.
25. A food holder for retaining a food product, the food holder is formed from a continuous blank of sheet material, the food holder comprising:
a top tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines;
a bottom tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines, the bottom tray being rotatably coupled to the top tray along a hinge line, so that the top tray is rotatable about the hinge line relative to the bottom tray from an open position to a closed position, wherein while the top tray is in the closed position, simultaneously
a cavity is defined by and between the top and bottom trays for receiving the food product, and
the top and bottom trays cooperate with one another to together define an opening to the cavity, so that the top tray partially defines said opening, the bottom tray partially defines said opening, said opening is positioned between the top and bottom trays, and said opening is for having a portion of the food product project through said opening while the top tray is in the closed position; and
a moveable section including a portion of at least one of the top tray side panel and the bottom tray side panel, the moveable section being adapted for facilitating, while the top tray is in and remains in the closed position, movement of the top tray relative to the bottom tray, for retaining the food product, wherein the moveable section includes three adjacent triangular panels coupled together along a plurality of fold lines, the three adjacent triangular panels include a first triangular panel defined within a portion of the top tray side panel, a second triangular panel defined within a portion of the bottom tray side panel, and a third triangular panel defined within a portion of the top tray side panel, the second and third triangular panels are separated by the hinge line, the first and third triangular panels are separated by a fold line that extends away from the hinge line, each of the three adjacent triangular panels includes an interior surface and an exterior surface.
2. A food holder in accordance with
the at least one triangular panel comprises two triangular panels of the moveable section,
the two triangular panels are separated by the hinge line,
the two triangular panels include a first triangular panel defined within a portion of the top tray side panel and a second triangular panel defined within a portion of the bottom tray side panel, and
the hinge line foldably connects the first triangular panel to the second triangular panel.
3. A food holder in accordance with
4. A food holder in accordance with
5. A food holder in accordance with
6. A food holder in accordance with
7. A food holder in accordance with
8. A combination in accordance with
9. A combination in accordance with
10. A combination in accordance with
11. The food holder of
12. The food holder of
13. The food holder of
14. A food holder in accordance with
15. A food holder in accordance with
16. A food holder in accordance with
18. A food holder in accordance with
19. A food holder in accordance with
an edge of the top tray center panel,
an edge of the top tray side panel,
an edge of the bottom tray center panel, and
an edge of the bottom tray side panel.
21. A food holder in accordance with
23. A food holder in accordance with
the moveable section is moveable from a first configuration to a second configuration when the top tray and the bottom tray are moved towards one another, and
the hinge line moves away from the cavity and the side panels rotate about the hinge line when the moveable section moves from the first configuration to the second configuration.
24. A food holder in accordance with
an edge of the top tray center panel,
an edge of the top tray side panel,
an edge of the bottom tray center panel, and
an edge of the bottom tray side panel.
27. A food holder in accordance with
28. A food holder in accordance with
29. A food holder in accordance with
30. A food holder in accordance with
31. A food holder in accordance with
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This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/786,186 filed on Mar. 27, 2006, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
This invention relates generally to a food holder formed from a sheet of material, and more particularly to food holders and methods for constructing the food holders.
It is well known in the food industry, particularly the fast food industry, to provide a food product to a consumer that is packaged in film, foil, paperwrap, a box, or a container. At least some of these containers are referred to as clam-shell type containers. Such containers provide a convenient method to carry the food product to a table for consumption. It is also convenient to place multiple containers in a bag so a customer is able to carry those containers from the restaurant for consumption elsewhere.
In at least some cases, when the food products are removed from the fast food restaurant, the food products are not consumed in an ideal environment such as seated at a table with napkins, utensils, and both hands available for use. Rather, consumption of the food product may occur while standing, walking, or may even occur within a car. Most food products sold are not designed or assembled to enable eating in such a manner without potentially creating a mess for the consumer. Some food products commonly sold for fast consumption on-the-move are, for example, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches and burritos. They are commonly served on buns or wraps and sometimes include, among other toppings, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, tomatoes, and lettuce. All of these toppings can easily fall from between the buns or out of the wraps onto an individual causing increased laundry, ruined clothing, and embarrassment caused by stains on clothing, among other undesirable effects. Also, there are many food products that are just messy by design. Such food products, even when consumed in an ideal environment will pose a potential for excessive drippings and shifting of the food product during consumption.
Accordingly, a device used to hold a food product that facilitates reducing such a food related mess while the food product is being consumed is needed.
In one aspect, a food holder formed from a single blank of sheet material is provided. The food holder includes a top tray, a bottom tray, a hinge, and a moveable section. The top tray includes a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel, wherein the panels are interconnected. The bottom tray includes a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel, wherein the panels are interconnected. The hinge connects the top tray to the bottom tray for rotating the top tray from an open position to a closed position wherein a food product is held by the food holder. The movable section is included within the top tray side panel and the bottom tray side panel. The movable section is configured to facilitate movement of the top tray center panel relative to the bottom tray center panel for conforming the food holder to a shape or size of the food product, and to facilitate movement of at least one of the top tray end panel and the bottom tray end panel for discharging the food product from the food holder.
In another aspect, a food holder for retaining a food product is provided. The food holder is formed from a continuous blank of sheet material. The food holder includes a top tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines. The food holder further includes a bottom tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines. The bottom tray is rotatably coupled to the top tray along a hinge line. The top tray is rotatable relative to the bottom tray from an open position to a closed position. The food holder further includes a moveable section including a portion of at least one of the top tray side panel and the bottom tray side panel. The moveable section facilitates movement of the top tray relative to the bottom tray for retaining the food product.
In a further aspect, a food holder for retaining a food product is provided. The food holder is formed from a continuous blank of sheet material. The food holder includes a top tray including a center panel, a first side panel, an opposing second side panel, a first end panel, and an opposing second end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines. The food holder further includes a bottom tray including a center panel, a first side panel, an opposing second side panel, a first end panel, and an opposing second end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines. The bottom tray extends from the top tray along a hinge line. Top tray is rotatable relative to the bottom tray from an open position to a closed position. The food holder further includes a moveable section including a portion of at least one of the top tray second side panel, and the bottom tray second side panel. The moveable section facilitates movement of the top tray relative to the bottom tray for retaining the food product.
In a further aspect, a food holder assembly for retaining a product is provided. The food holder assembly includes a food holder formed from a continuous blank of sheet material. The food holder includes a top tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines. The food holder further includes a bottom tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines. The bottom tray is rotatably coupled to the top tray along a hinge line. The top tray is rotatable relative to the bottom tray from an open position to a closed position. The food holder further includes a moveable section including a portion of at least one of the top tray side panel and the bottom tray side panel. The moveable section facilitates movement of the top tray relative to the bottom tray for retaining the food product. The food holder assembly further includes a tray carton wherein the tray carton is configured to receive at least one of the top tray and the bottom tray.
In another aspect, a method of constructing a food holder for retaining a food product is provided. The food holder is formed from a continuous blank of sheet material including an interior surface and opposing exterior surface. The food holder includes a top tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of first fold lines. The food holder further includes a bottom tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of second fold lines. The bottom tray is rotatably coupled to the top tray along a hinge line. The food holder further includes a moveable section including a portion of at least one of the top tray side panel and the bottom tray side panel. The moveable section facilitates movement of the top tray relative to the bottom tray for retaining the food product. The top tray further includes a top tray glue flap including a locking tab defined within the top tray glue flap. The bottom tray further includes a bottom tray glue flap extending from the bottom tray end panel along a fold line. The bottom tray glue flap includes a hook portion that engages the locking tab to maintain the food holder in the closed position. The method includes providing the blank of sheet material, folding the top tray center panel, side panel, and end panel towards the interior surface of the food holder along the plurality of first fold lines, folding the bottom tray center panel, side panel, and end panel towards the interior surface of the food holder along the plurality of second fold lines, rotating the top tray relative to the bottom tray along the hinge line from an open position to a closed position to form a cavity, and positioning the food product within the cavity such that the food product is retained within the food holder.
In a further aspect, a blank for forming a food holder for retaining a food product is provided. The blank includes a top tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines. The blank further includes a bottom tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines. The bottom tray is rotatably coupled to the top tray along a hinge line. The top tray is rotatable relative to the bottom tray from an open position to a closed position. The blank further includes a moveable section including a portion of at least one of the top tray side panel and the bottom tray side panel. The moveable section facilitates movement of the top tray relative to the bottom tray for retaining the food product.
The present invention provides a stackable, collapsible container for use as a food holder, and a method for constructing the food holder. The food holder is constructed using a machine from a blank of sheet material. In one embodiment, the food holder is fabricated from a paperboard material. The food holder, however, may be fabricated using any suitable material, and therefore is not limited to a specific type of material. In alternative embodiments, the food holder is fabricated using cardboard, plastic and/or any suitable material known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided.
In one embodiment, the food holder includes a marking thereon including, without limitation, indicia that communicates the product, a manufacturer of the product and/or seller of the product. For example, the marking may include printed text that indicates a product's name and briefly describes the product, logos and/or trademarks that indicate a manufacturer and/or seller of the product, and/or designs and/or ornamentation that attract attention.
Referring to the drawings, and more specifically to
Referring to
Blank 10 also includes a bottom tray or second center panel 32, a bottom tray or second side panel 34, and a bottom tray or second end panel 36. Second side panel 34 and end panel 36 are coupled to bottom tray center panel 32 by preformed fold lines 38 and 40, respectively. Specifically, second side panel 34 extends from bottom tray center panel 32 along respective fold line 38 and second end panel 36 extends from bottom tray center panel 32 along respective fold line 40. Second side panel 34 is hingedly coupled to first side panel 24 by a hinge line 42. Hinge line 42 is substantially parallel to fold lines 28 and 38, and runs from leading edge 16 toward opposing trailing edge 18. It is apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that fold lines 28, 30, 38, and/or 40, as well as other fold lines described herein, may include any suitable line of weakening known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided.
First side panel 24 is defined by a fold line 44 which forms one edge of a glue flap 46. Glue flap 46 is further defined by a cut line 48 which separates glue flap 46 from end panel 26. Fold lines 52 and 44, along with hinge line 42, create a triangular panel 64 within first side panel 24. Triangular panel 64 is further divided into two triangular panels 66 and 68 by a fold line 70. Two triangular panels 66 and 68 may be referred to as a first triangular panel 66 and a third triangular panel 68. Fold line 70 extends from about the corner formed by the intersection of fold line 52 and hinge line 42, and extends to fold line 44.
Second side panel 34 is defined by a fold line 80 which forms one edge of a glue flap 82. Glue flap 82 is further defined by a cut line 84 which separates glue flap 82 from end panel 36. Second side panel 34 further includes a fold line 86. Fold lines 86 and 80, along with hinge line 42, create a triangular panel 88 within second side panel 34. Triangular panel 88 may be referred to as second triangular panel 88. Triangular panels 64 and 88, along with fold lines 44, 52, 80 and 86, define a moveable section of food holder 200. As explained below in more detail, when food holder 200 is formed, this moveable section, which includes fold line 70, enables a user using food holder 200 to more securely hold a food product and facilitates discharge of the food product from food holder 200.
As shown in
Top tray center panel 22 includes a fold line 120, opposed to and substantially parallel to fold line 28 that defines an edge of a top flap 122. Top flap 122 is further defined by a fold line 124, which separates top flap 122 from a glue flap 126. An edge of end panel 26 is defined by a cut line 130. Cut line 130, along with fold line 124, define the edges of glue flap 126. Similarly, bottom tray center panel 32 includes a fold line 140, opposed to and substantially parallel to fold line 38 that defines an edge of a glue flap 142. Glue flap 142 is further defined by a cut line 144, which separates glue flap 142 from a bottom flap 146. An edge of end panel 36 is defined by a fold line 148. Fold line 148, along with cut line 144, define the edges of bottom flap 146.
As shown in
Referring further to
When food holder 200 is formed, and top portion 100 is rotated about hinge line 42, cutout portion 162 is configured to receive locking tab 160. Once locking tab 160 is inserted within cutout portion 162, top portion 100 is coupled or releasably locked to bottom portion 102 and food holder 200 will remain in a closed configuration such that food holder 200 is extended around the food product without being held around the food product by the user. This allows the user to transfer the food product within food holder 200 between hands, or to another individual, without food holder 200 opening. It also allows the user to set the food product and food holder 200 on a surface between bites and not have to re-position food holder 200 around the food product, while still allowing the user to reposition the food product within food holder 200 if the user so desires. Cutout portion 162 in combination with locking tab 160 is one example of a mechanism to keep food holder 200 around a food product. Any other mechanism known to keep a box or container closed including, but not limited to, a hook and tab, an interlocking overlapped flap, an adhesive, or a slit and finger, may also be used.
In the exemplary embodiment, food holder 200 is constructed from blank 10 for holding food to ease consumption. Food holder 200 is formed from blank 10 by folding blank 10 about the fold lines. In one embodiment, an adhesive material is applied to portions of blank 10 to secure selected portions of food holder 200 together. In a particular embodiment, food holder 200 is constructed using a machine. Food holder 200 includes a bottom center wall 220, a top center wall 222 and opposing bottom center wall 220, a bottom side wall 224 hingedly connected to a top side wall 228, a bottom flap wall 230 and a top flap wall 232 opposing bottom side wall 224 and top side wall 228 respectively, a bottom end wall 234 connecting bottom side wall 224 to bottom flap wall 230, and a top end wall 236 connecting top side wall 228 to top flap wall 232. The walls can also be referred to as panels.
Referring back to
Bottom portion 102 is formed in a similar manner to top portion 100. Referring to
Top portion 100 is rotatably attached to bottom portion 102 along hinge line 42 which is located between top side wall 228 and bottom side wall 224.
As exemplary clam-shell container 300 is rotated towards a closed configuration, food holder 200 is also rotated in unison into a closed configuration due to the force of container 300 being applied to food holder 200. Cutout portion 162, in combination with locking tab 160, releasably locks food holder 200 around the food product as container 300 is closed. Food holder 200 can also be rotated into a releasably locked state without container 300 being closed around it. This would enable food holder 200 to be placed in a closed position while container 300 is in an open position, allowing more items to be placed within container 300. Side walls 224 and 228 and hinge line 42 of food holder 200 are in communication with the side panels and the hinge of container 300 when food holder 200 is placed within container 300 such that hinge line 42 of food holder 200 is substantially parallel with the hinge of container 300. Accordingly, when container 300 is closed, food holder 200 is closed.
When the food product is contained within food holder 200, a user is then able to consume the food product and operate food holder 200. In operation, the user begins to consume the food product projecting outside food holder 200. As the food product that projects outside food holder 200 is consumed, the user squeezes top center wall 222 towards bottom center wall 220, the moveable section (shown in
Moreover, in contrast to the exemplary embodiment, a glue flap 502 is formed in a different manner than glue flap 126. In
A bottom portion 570 is formed in a somewhat similar manner to top portion 560. Referring to
Top portion 560 is rotatably attached to bottom portion 570 along hinge line 42 which is located between side panel 524 and side panel 526. When food holder 550 is formed, and top portion 560 is rotated about hinge line 42, cutout portion 162 is configured to receive locking tab 160. Once locking tab 160 is inserted within cutout portion 162, top portion 560 is coupled or releasably locked to bottom portion 570 and food holder 550 will remain in a closed configuration.
Referring further to
Also in contrast to the exemplary embodiment, a glue flap 730 is formed in a similar manner to glue flap 126. In
Each individual unit 710 is formed into a food holder 750. Food holder 750 is formed in a similar manner to food holder 200. Specifically, to assembly food holder 750, end panel 26 is rotated about fold line 30, flap 734 is rotated about fold line 120, glue flap 730 is rotated about fold line 736, and glue flap 730 is coupled to flap 734. In one embodiment, end panel 26 is coupled to glue flap 46 and flap 734 is coupled to glue flap 730, using a suitable coupler, such as an adhesive material strip or tape (not shown) applied to the exterior surfaces 14 of glue flaps 46 and 730. In another embodiment, end panel 26 is coupled to glue flap 46 and flap 734 is coupled to glue flap 730, using a suitable coupler, such as an adhesive material strip or tape (not shown) applied to the interior surfaces 12 of end panel 26 and flap 734 that will be in contact with glue flaps 46 and 730.
Blank 800 is similar to blank 700 of
The two individual units 810 are connected by a tear line 610 along their leading edges 16, and each individual unit 810 is formed into a food holder 850. Food holder 850 is formed in a similar manner to food holder 750.
Blank 900 is similar to blank 800 of
Moreover, in contrast to
Each individual unit 910 is formed into a food holder 950. Food holder 950 is formed in a similar manner to food holder 850.
Referring to
Blank 1000 also includes bottom tray center panel 32, second side panel 34, an opposing side panel 1010, second end panel 36, and an opposing end panel 1012. Second side panel 34 and opposing side panel 1010 are coupled to bottom tray center panel 32 by preformed fold lines 38 and 1014, respectively. Specifically, second side panel 34 extends from bottom tray center panel 32 along respective fold line 38 and side panel 1010 extends from bottom tray center panel 32 along respective fold line 1014. Similarly, second end panel 36 and end panel 1012 are coupled to bottom tray center panel 32 by preformed fold lines 40 and 1016, respectively. Similarly, second end panel 36 extends from bottom tray center panel 32 along respective fold line 30, and end panel 1012 extends from bottom tray center panel 32 along respective fold line 1016. Moreover, second side panel 34 includes an area of relief 1017 parallel to hinge line 42.
Second side panel 34 is hingedly coupled to first side panel 24 by hinge line 42. Hinge line 42 is substantially parallel to fold lines 28, 38, 1006, and 1014.
First side panel 24 is defined by fold line 44 which forms one edge of glue flap 46. Glue flap 46 is further defined by cut line 48 which separates glue flap 46 from end panel 26. A fold line 1018 along with fold line 44 and hinge line 42, create triangular panel 64 within first side panel 24. In one embodiment, fold line 1018 includes a slightly arcuate section. Triangular panel 64 is further divided into two triangular panels 66 and 68 by fold line 70. Fold line 70 extends from an intersection formed by fold line 1018 and hinge line 42 to fold line 44.
Moreover, first side panel 24 further includes fold line 1024 which forms one edge of a glue flap 1026. Glue flap 1026 is further defined by a cut line 1028 which separates glue flap 1026 from end panel 1004. A fold line 1030 along with fold line 1024 and hinge line 42, create a triangular panel 1032 within first side panel 24. In one embodiment, fold line 1030 includes a slightly arcuate section. Triangular panel 1032 is further divided into two triangular panels 1034 and 1036 by a fold line 1038. Fold line 1038 extends from an intersection, formed by fold line 1030 and hinge line 42, to fold line 1024. Triangular panels 64 and 88, along with fold lines 44, 80, 86, and 1018, define a first moveable section of food holder 1050. When food holder 1050 is formed, this first moveable section, which includes fold line 70, enables a user using food holder 1050 to more securely hold a food product and facilitates discharge of the food product from food holder 1050.
Second side panel 34 is defined by fold line 80 which forms one edge of a glue flap 1020. Glue flap 1020 includes an arcuate periphery 1022 and is further defined by cut line 84 which separates glue flap 1020 from end panel 36. Second side panel 34 further includes fold line 86. Fold lines 86 and 80, along with hinge line 42, create triangular panel 88 within second side panel 34. Triangular panels 64 and 88, along with fold lines 44, 80, 86, and 1018, define a moveable section of food holder 1050. When food holder 1050 is formed, this moveable section, which includes fold line 70, enables a user using food holder 1050 to more securely hold a food product and facilitates discharge of the food product from food holder 1050.
Moreover, second side panel 34 is further defined by a fold line 1040 which forms one edge of a glue flap 1042. Glue flap 1042 includes an arcuate periphery 1044 and is further defined by a cut line 1046 which separates glue flap 1042 from end panel 1012. Second side panel 34 further includes fold line 1048. Fold lines 1040 and 1048, along with hinge line 42, create a triangular panel 1052 within second side panel 34. Triangular panels 1032 and 1052, along with fold lines 1024, 1040, 1048, and 1030, define a second moveable section of food holder 1050. When food holder 1050 is formed, this second moveable section, which includes fold line 1038, enables a user using food holder 1050 to more securely hold a food product and facilitates discharge of the food product from food holder 1050.
As shown in
Top tray center panel 22 includes glue flap 126. Glue flap 126 extends from end panel 26 along a fold line 1053. Fold line 1053 extends from and is substantially coaxial with fold line 1006. Glue flap 126 also extends from side panel 1002 along a cut line 1054. Fold line 1053, along with cut line 1054, define the edges of glue flap 126. Similarly, top tray center panel 22 also includes a glue flap 1056. Glue flap 1056 extends from end panel 1004 along a fold line 1058. Fold line 1058 extends from and is substantially coaxial with fold line 1006. Glue flap 1056 also extends from side panel 1002 along a cut line 1060. Fold line 1058, along with cut line 1060, define edges of glue flap 1056. As shown in
Similarly, bottom tray center panel 32 includes flap 146 that extends from end panel 36 along a fold line 1066. Fold line 1066 extends from and is substantially coaxial with fold line 1014. Flap 146 also extends from side panel 1010 along a cut line 1068. Fold line 1066, along with cut line 1068, define the edges of flap 146. Similarly, bottom tray center panel 32 also includes a glue flap 1070. Glue flap 1070 extends from end panel 1012 along a fold line 1072. Fold line 1072 extends from and is substantially coaxial with fold line 1014. Glue flap 1070 also extends from side panel 1010 along a cut line 1074. Fold line 1072, along with cut line 1074, define edges of glue flap 1070.
As shown in
When food holder 1050 is formed, and top portion 1100 is rotated about hinge line 42, hook portion 1076 is configured to receive locking tab 1062. Once locking tab 1062 is coupled to hook portion 1076, top portion 1100 is coupled or releasably locked to bottom portion 1200 and food holder 1050 will remain in a closed configuration such that food holder 1050 is extended around the food product.
In the exemplary embodiment, food holder 1050 is constructed from blank 1000 for holding food to ease consumption. Food holder 1050 is formed from blank 1000 by folding blank 1000 about the fold lines. In one embodiment, an adhesive material is applied to portions of blank 1000 to secure selected portions of food holder 1050 together.
Referring back to
Bottom portion 1200 is formed in a similar manner to top portion 1100. To create bottom portion 1200 of formed food holder 1050, flap 146 is rotated about fold line 1066, flap 1070 is rotated about fold line 1072, flap 1020 is rotated about fold line 80, and flap 1042 is rotated about fold line 1040. Moreover, panel 36 is rotated about fold line 40, panel 1012 is rotated about fold line 1016, panel 1010 is rotated about fold line 1014, and panel 34 is rotated about fold line 38. Once these folds are complete, the interior surface of panel 1010 is placed in contact with and adhesively coupled to the exterior surfaces of flaps 146 and 1070. Also, the interior surface of panel 1012 is placed in contact with and adhesively coupled to the exterior surface of flap 1042, and the interior surface of panel 36 is placed in contact with and adhesively coupled to the exterior surface of flap 1020. This forms bottom portion 1200 of food holder 1050. In another embodiment, exterior surface of panel 1010 is placed in contact with and adhesively coupled to the interior surfaces of flaps 146 and 1070.
As shown in
In operation, food holder 1050 is used in a similar manner to that of food holder 200. Specifically, the user squeezes panel 22 towards bottom panel 32, the moveable section allows the distance between panel 22 and panel 32 to decrease. When panel 22 is moved towards panel 32, fold line 70 allows triangular panel 66 to translate towards the interior of food holder 1050, and more specifically, allows triangular panel 68 to rotate about hinge line 42 until fold line 70 and interior surface 12 of triangular panel 68 comes into contact in a face-to-face relationship with the interior surface of triangular panel 88, and fold line 70 and triangular panel 68 are on the opposite side of hinge line 42 as previously located. Furthermore, when triangular panel 68 is rotated about hinge line 42, exterior surface 14 of triangular panel 68 comes into contact in a face-to-face relationship with exterior surface 14 of triangular panel 66. In addition to allowing food holder 1050 to better conform to the food product, the translation of panel 66 toward panel 88 via panel 68 also facilitates the discharge of the food product out of food holder 200. Triangular panels 66, 68, and 88 may be formed in any shape so long as the shape allows food holder 200 to better conform to the food product and facilitates the discharge of the food product out of food holder 200.
Similarly, in operation, when panel 22 is moved towards panel 32, fold line 1038 allows triangular panel 1032 to translate towards the interior of food holder 1050, and more specifically, allows triangular panel 1034 to rotate about hinge line 42 until fold line 1038 and interior surface 12 of triangular panel 1034 comes into contact in a face-to-face relationship with the interior surface of triangular panel 1052, and fold line 1038 and triangular panel 1034 are on the opposite side of hinge line 42 as previously located. Furthermore, when triangular panel 1034 is rotated about hinge line 42, exterior surface 14 of triangular panel 1034 comes into contact in a face-to-face relationship with exterior surface 14 of triangular panel 1032. In addition to allowing food holder 1050 to better conform to the food product, the translation of panel 1032 toward panel 1052 via panel 1034 also facilitates the discharge of the food product out of food holder 1050. Triangular panels 1032, 1034, and 1052 may be formed in any shape so long as the shape allows food holder 1050 to better conform to the food product and facilitates the discharge of the food product out of food holder 1050.
The above-described food holder and method of constructing the food holder provides a food holder that is easily constructed from a flexible unitary blank of paperboard. Moreover, the food holder is configured to be placed within a container. The food holder includes a moveable section within a portion of the food holder to improve the use of the food holder such that the food holder better conforms to the food product and facilitates the discharge of the food product out of the food holder.
Exemplary embodiments of a food holder have been described above in detail. The food holder is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the food holder and/or steps of the method may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. Further, the described components and/or method steps can also be defined in, or used in combination with, other apparatus and/or methods, and are not limited to practice with only the apparatus and method as described herein.
While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.
Burke, Bradley John, Mortenson, Rachel K.
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Mar 23 2007 | Graphic Packaging International, Inc. | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
Jun 28 2007 | MORTENSON, RACHEL K | Havi Global Solutions LLC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 019528 | /0477 | |
Jun 28 2007 | MORTENSON, RACHEL K | Altivity Packaging, LLC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 019528 | /0477 | |
Jul 03 2007 | BURKE, BRADLEY JOHN | Havi Global Solutions LLC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 019528 | /0477 | |
Jul 03 2007 | BURKE, BRADLEY JOHN | Altivity Packaging, LLC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 019528 | /0477 | |
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